World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Ojha et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

SJIF Impact Factor 8.074

Volume 8, Issue 2, 1100-1105. Research Article ISSN 2277– 7105

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FACE SERUM

CONTAINING BEE VENOM AND ALOE VERA GEL

Smriti Ojha*, Surabhi Sinha, Swadhapriya Das Chaudhuri, Hina Chadha, Babita
Aggarwal, Seema Mahor Jain, Ajeet and Meenu

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vishveshwarya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida

(UP), 203207, India.

ABSTRACT
Article Received on
02 Dec. 2018, Facial wrinkles and skin aging are undesirable outcome of
Revised on 23 Dec. 2018, photodamage and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Currently no effective
Accepted on 14 Jan. 2019
DOI: 10.20959/wjpr20192-14104 strategies are available to delay skin aging process. Aloe Vera, glycerin
and honeybee venom face serum is a highly concentrated cosmetic
product. When using aloe Vera we get not only a quick cosmetic
*Corresponding Author
Smriti Ojha
effects but also psychological satisfactions, serum has a property of
School of Pharmaceutical rapid absorption and ability to penetrate into deeper layer of the skin.
Sciences, Vishveshwarya Aloe Vera gel is commonly used to treat different skin disease, sun
Group of Institutions,
burn, minor cuts, insect bites, and used as wound healing, anti-
Greater Noida (UP),
inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect. Bee venom is a
203207, India.
defensive toxin produced by bees and is reported to increase blood
flow and collagen production. The face serum was evaluated for its physiochemical
parameters, pH, globule size, consistency. The stability study results showed that there was
no change in visual appearance, homogeneity and globule size.

KEYWORD: Cosmetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, face serum.

INTRODUCTION
Serums is a skin care product containing a gel or lightweight lotion or moisturizing
consistency and have ability to penetrates deeper to deliver active ingredients into the skin. A
good skin Serum may provide your skin a firmer, smoother texture, make pores appear
smaller and increase moisture levels.[1] Whether it is moisturizer, anti-wrinkle or anti-aging
product or skin serum, all these products should contain antioxidants, cell-communicating

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Ojha et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

ingredients and skin-identical ingredients. All skin type needs these ingredients to be as
healthy as possible. Gel and liquids preparations are best for oily and combination skin,
serums and light lotions are best for normal to dry skin, more emollient lotions and
moisturizing creams are best for dry to verydry skin. Texture is all about skin type- but the
brilliant ingredients for healthy skin the same for everyone, regardless of product, texture or
personal preference.[2] Skin is a protective and largest organ of body which is struggling to
heal and repair itself 24 hours, but sometimes skin can develop dry patches for many reasons
like UV rays, pollutants, makeup left on overnight can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Aloe Vera and bee venom both have an unique anti-aging formulations to maintain healthy
fresh looking skin. These products are useful in various skin conditions like psoriasis,
shingles and other associated with itching, in addition- cuts, abrasions and burns are said to
be benefit from topically applying the leaf’s gel to the affected area.[3-5] The polysaccharides
present in Aloe Vera have excellent moisturizing property and whenmixed with essential oils,
it makes an excellent skin smoothening moisturizer and sun block lotions. Due to its soothing
and cooling qualities Ayurveda recommends Aloe Vera for a number of skin disorders. Aloe
Vera extract have antibacterial and anti-fungal activities, which may help in the treatment of
minor skin infections also.[6]

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Aloe Vera plant, Lyophilized Bee venom and sandal wood oil was purchased from sigma
Aldrich, Glycerin IP. All other chemical used were of suitable analytical grade.

Method of Extraction
Aloe Vera plant was collected from the herbal garden of Vishveshwarya group of Institutions
and identified. Aloe vera gel was collected, homogenized at 1200 rpm under mechanical
homogenizer. The Homogenized gel was further filtered with a vacuum filter to gel a clear
and transparent gel.[7]

Emulsion Preparation
Emulsion (o/w) was prepared as per the formula given below. Oily phase consisting Olive oil,
sandal wool oil, Vitamin E and emulsifiers span 80 and tween 20 was triturated together till
10 minutes to get a homogenous solution. At the same time aqueous phase was prepared by
mixing aloe vera gel, bee venom, glycerine, and small quantity of distilled water
homogeneously. The oily phase was added to aqueous phase drop by drop under mechanical
stirring at 2500 rpm to get a oil in water based biphasic emulsion.

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Ojha et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Table 1: Formula for face serum.

SL. NO. INGREDIETS PERCENTAGE %
1 Lyophilized bee venom 9%
2 Aloe Vera gel 50%
3 Glycerin 25%
4 Span 80 2%
5 Tween 20 1%
4 Sandalwood oil 01%
5 Preservative 0.01%
6 De mineralized water QS to 100 ml

Characterization of Emulsion and stability studies

Rheological Parameters
Emulsions are non Newtonian system so the viscosity of the formulation was determined by
multipoint viscometer (Brookfield Viscometer) at 100 rpm, some amount of the serum was
taken in a beaker and the spindle was dipped in it for about 5 minutes and then the readings
were noted.[9]

Color and Appearance

The color and appearance of the formulation (aloe Vera face serum) was observed visually
which appeared translucent white in color.[9]

Homogeneity
The formulation prepared had even distribution of the extracts made. The homogeneity of the
preparation was confirmed visually by the absence of any particulate matter and also feeling
the product by touch.[9]

pH of the serum
A pH meter was calibrated using a standard buffer solution. Nearly 1 ml of the serum was
properly weighed and dissolved in 50ml of distilled water and finally its pH was calculated.[9]

Globule size determination

The prepared serum was properly analyzed under microscope to identify and confirm the
globule size. One drop of the serum was placed on a glass slide and was diluted with water, it
was covered with coverslip and was finally observed under microscope to determine globule
size using stage micrometer.

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Ojha et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Ash Value: Product was taken in a flat –bottom platinum dish and ashing was done at 600 ˚C
in muffle furnace.

Spreadability: Spreadibility denotes the extent of area to which the gel readily spreads on
application to skin or the affected part. The bioavailability efficiency of a cream also depends
on its spreading value.

Stability Studies
The formulation and preparation of any pharmaceutical or cosmetic product is incomplete
without proper stability studies of the prepared formulation. This is done in order to
determine the physical and chemical stability of the prepared product and thus determine the
safety of the product under accelerated conditions, where the product is subjected to elevated
temperatures and moisture as per the ICH guidelines. A short term accelerated stability study
was carried out for the period of 3 months for the prepared formulation. The samples were
stored under the following conditions of temperature as 3-50C, 250C RH=60%, 400C ±2%
RH= 75%. The samples were withdrawn on monthly intervals and were analyzed for various
parameters.[10]

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Aloe Vera face serum formulation was light green viscous liquid preparation with a smooth
homogenous texture and glossy appearance. The formulation was re-dispersed within a
seconds. After use, it felt like emollient, slipperiness and no residues were formed and easy to
wash out.

Physical appearance: Serum formulation was light green in color, viscous liquid preparation
with a smooth homogenous texture and glossy appearance.

pH: The pH of formulation was found 6.2. As the skin having an acidic pH around 4.1-6.7,
this range of formulation is suitable for skin.

Globule size determination: The globule size was found to be in range of 0.1-0.3 µm. This
range of particles enhance the penetration power of the formulation.

Stability studies: The formulation was undertaken stability studies for physical and chemical
change. No considerable variations in properties of the formulation were observed.

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Ojha et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Table 2: Stability Study obervations.

EVALUATION OBSERVATION (Months)
TEMPERATURE
PARAMETERS 0 1 2 3
Visual Translucent Translucent Translucent Translucent
Appearance White White White White
3-5°C
Phase Separation Nil Nil Nil Nil
Homogeneity Good Good Good Good
Visual Translucent Translucent Translucent Translucent
Room
Appearance White White White White
Temperature
Phase Separation Nil Nil Nil Nil
(25°C RH=60%)
Homogeneity Good Good Good Good
Visual Translucent Translucent Translucent Translucent
40°C±2°C Appearance White White White White
RH=75% Phase Separation Nil Nil Nil Nil
Homogeneity Good Good Good Good

After feel: The serum after distribution amongst individuals and their application, had a
soothing and pleasant effect as informed to us by the individuals, indicating that it had an
emollient and moisturizing action and also it was non-irritating and non-sensitive to the skin.

CONCLUSION
The aim of the study was to formulate different herbals into a serum for moisturizing and
glowing activity on skin. Cosmeceuticals are skin-care products that cater for both cosmetics
and drugs.[11] In this serum aloe Vera was used. The fresh aloe Vera gel from the inner central
part (parenchyma) of the leaf often has a very good action in acne, pimples, eczema and other
skin problems, burns due to heat , sun exposure and in treatment of radiation dermatitis. Aloe
Vera contains number of vitamins and minerals that have a strong moisturizing capacity and
anti-aging effects to maintain healthy and fresh looking skin. The gel stimulates cell growth
and as such enhances the restoring of damaged skin. So this serum can be used treat skin
related problems.

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3. M. Itrat, Zarnigar, Aloe vera a review of its clinical effectiveness, International research
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